Tips for Water Conservation

Turn off water while brushing your teeth, washing your hands or shaving.

Install an instant hot water delivery system.

Fill the sink with water when washing dishes, instead of letting water run.

Wash only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

Buy appliances that are certified as water and energy efficient.

Outdoor Conservation Practices

Keep sprinklers working correctly to prevent leaks and overspray.

Reduce turf and use water wise plants.

Use mulch to keep water from evaporating.

Use a commercial car wash that recycles its water.

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean sidewalks, driveways and patio.

Install drip irrigation.

Lawn Care Tips

Reduce the size of your lawn to the minimum size that meets your needs for recreation.

Avoid watering when it's windy, or in the middle of the day when evaporation is high.

Check your sprinkler system regularly. Many lawns are irrigated at night, so mis-aligned or broken sprinkler heads go undetected.

Soils make a difference. For sandy soils, short, more frequent watering periods are best. For heavier clay soils, it's best to water deeply and less frequently.

Leak Detection
If you have a leak, it can usually be detected at the water meter. You must first make sure that no one will be using even the smallest amount of water while you are checking for leaks. Many newer meters have a small star or triangle on the face of the dial. This is a very sensitive "leak detector." Even a small leak will be indicated by a rotating star or triangle. If after a few seconds, you see no clear movement, you probably do not have a leak, unless it is an intermittent toilet leak.

Even a small, slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month.